Carton



A. J. WEISS Jan. 2, 1968 CARTON Filed April l 7, 1964 INVENTOR ARTHUR J. UJEISS United States Patent ()fiice 3,361,254 CARTON Arthur J. Weiss, Bergenfield', N.J., assignor to Continental gankCompany, New York, N.Y., a corporation of New Filed Apr. 17, 1964, Ser. No. 360,598 Claims. 01. 20665) This invention relates in general to new and useful improvements in carton structures, and more specifically to a novel carton of the wrap-around type.

At the present time many products are being distributed by wrapping a plurality of containers of the product to form readily handleable packages. Such packages have two basic requirements. The carton which forms the wraparound portion of the package must be sufiiciently secured to prevent the accidental opening thereof and the containers must be so related to one another within the carton whereby they cannot damage each other during handling. While it is readily apparent that containers, such as glass bottles, are readily breakable, at first glance it would not appear that there would be any problem in the packaging of more durable containers such as cans. However, it has been found that when the seams of cans lie one over the other, the seam of one can will present an undue pressure on the body of a next adjacent can immediately adjacent to the seam of the next adjacent can and oftentimes effect rupturing thereof. Furthermore, because the cans will be retained within the carton and a readily handleable package will be effected only when the carton is tightly wrapped around the cans, it is necessary to assure the proper alignment of the cans within the carton. If the carton is wrapped around the cans when the seams thereof are in alignment and the cans are later permited to sli relative to one another, the space required by a pair of adjacent cans will be decreased by the amount a seam projects from the body of a can. This amount is more than sufiicient to cause a loose package from which the cans may accidentally fall.

Because of the above-mentioned difficulties, cartons which receive cans and other containers having projections at the ends thereof are so constructed whereby an interlock between the cans and the carton is provided. Such an interlock has been provided by numerous carton configurations of which some utilize material of the carton and others require additional material added at the ends of the cartons. The simplest of the means for pro viding an interlock between a can and a carton is the forming of suitable openings in the carton. However, whenever an opening is formed, the carton is weakened.

In view of the foregoing, it is the primary object of this invention to provide a simple opening defining arrangement in a carton which will provide for the necessary interlock between a projecting portion of a container and the carton while minimizing the deterioration in strength of the carton.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel cut arrangement in a carton of the wrap-around type for defining an opening in which a projection on a container may be received to effect the interlock of the container with the carton, the opening being expansi'ble in accordance with tightness of the carton with respect to the containers disposed therein whereby the necessary connection between the carton and containers may be obtained while assuring a tight package.

Still another object of this invention is to provide in a carton means for effecting the interlocking of a container with the carton when a package is formed, the means being in the form of a simple cut which is disposed at a corner of the carton to define two flaps, the flaps being in opposed relation in adjacent walls of the carton and 3,361,254 Patented Jan. 2, 1968 being readily movable out of the plane of their respective wall to receive a projection on an associated container.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a cut of the type set forth above wherein the cut is generally H-shaped in outline and includes a pair of cuts which traverse the fold line and a cross bar out which extends along the fold line, the two first mentioned cuts being generally C-shaped in outline and opening towards one another so as to resist the tearing of the carton along the fold line as a continuation of the cross bar cut.

A further object of this invention is to provide a carton with cuts in accordance with the foregoing wherein the carton is of the type which includes side panels and interlocked cooperating closure panels which are joined to the side panels along fold lines, and wherein the cuts are formed along these fold lines whereby the amount the flaps defined by the cuts are spread apart and the projections on containers passed therebetween is controlled by the tightness imparted to the carton by the securing together of the terminal panels.

With the above and other objects in View that will here inafter appear, the nature of the invention will be more clearly understood by reference to the following detailed description, the appended claims and the several views ilustrated in the accompanying drawing.

In the drawing:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a package incorporating the carton which is the subject of this invention, cans within the carton being shown by phantom lines.

FIGURE 2 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken generally along the line 2-2 of FIGURE 1 and shows more specifically the details of the carton and the manner in which the cans are interlocked therewith.

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary plan view of one corner of the carton taken generally along the line 3--3 of FIG- URE 2.

FIGURE 4 is a plan view on a reduced scale of the blank for the carton shown in FIGURE 1.

Referring now to the drawing in detail, it will be seen that there is illustrated in FIGURE 1 a package which is generally referred to by the numeral 8 and which is formed of a carton of the wrap-around type, the carton being generally referred to by the numeral 9, and a plurality of containers, such as the cans C. The illustrated carton 9 is of a size for receiving six cans arranged in two rows of three cans each. However, the invention is not restricted to a carton having any set number of cans in a row.

The carton 9 is formed from a one-piece blank which is best shown in FIGURE 4 and which is generally r ferred to by the numeral 10. The blank 10 is of a generally rectangular elongated configuration and includes a centrally located panel 11 which is separated from a pair of adjacent intermediate panels 12 and 13 by means of transverse fold lines 14 and 15, respectively. The intermediate panel 12 has connected thereto along a transverse fold line 16 a terminal panel 17. A second terminal panel 18 is integrally connected to the intermediate panel 13 along a transverse fold line 19.

It will be readily apparent from FIGURE 1 that in the package 8, the central panel 11 forms the bottom wall of the carton 9 while the intermediate panels 12 and 13 form side walls of the carton. The terminal panels 17 and 18 combine to define a top wall of the carton. It is to be further noted that the terminal panels 17 and 18 are interlocked together to form a rigid package construction.

When the terminal panels 17 and 18 are connected together, they have overlapping edge portions. In order to facilitate the locking together of the overlapping edges of the terminal panels 17 and 18, the panel 17 is provided with a plurality of latch openings 20, there being one latch opening 20 for each container in a row of containers for which the carton blank 16} is designed. The latch openings 20 are generally trapezoidal in outline and have narrow sides disposed remote from the associated end of the carton blank. If desired, the latch openings 20 may be provided with slits 21 extending from opposite ends of the narrow sides thereof.

The terminal edge of the panel 18 is provided with a flap 22 which is connected to the remainder of the panel 18 along a fold line 23. The fold line 23 is interrupted at intervals by generally C-shaped cuts 24- which are formed in the panel 18 and which define catches 25. The catches 25 are aligned with the latch openings 20 and are hingeable with the flap 22. The flap 22 carries a plurality of latching flaps 26 which are hingedly connected thereto along fold lines 27. Each latching flap 26 is provided with a pair of opposed slits 28 to facilitate the interlocking of the latching flaps 26 with the material of the panel 17 in the slits 21.

In order that adjacent cans C within the carton 9 may have projecting seams S thereof spaced apart adjacent the panel 11, the panel 11 is provided with a plurality of tabs 29. Each tab 29 is generally trapezoidal in outline and has the base thereof connected to the panel 11 along a hinge line 30.

In order to effect the interlocking of the seams at the bottoms of the cans C with the lower portion of the carton 9 along the lower corners thereof, the fold lines 14 and 15 are interrupted by generally C-shaped cuts 31. Each cut 31, when the carton is in its erected form of FIGURE 1 defines a seam receiving opening 32 in the associated one of the side panels 12 and 13 and a projecting flange 33 lying in the plane of the panel 11. Each of the side panels 12 and 13 is also provided with a cut 34 extending normal to the associate one of the fold lines 14 and 15 to permit a slight outward expansion of the respective side wall adjacent its connection with the panel 11.

In order to strengthen the carton 9 along the lower corners thereof, for each can C, the panel 11 is pro vided with a reinforcing tab 35 which is hingedly connected to the bottom panel 11 along a fold line 36. Each reinforcing tab 35 is provided with a generally C-shaped cut 37 whereby an opening 38 is formed in the reinforcing tab 35 when the reinforcing tab 35 is folded into a corner defined by the bottom panel 11 and one of the side panels 12 or 13, as clearly shown in FIGURE 1. The openings 38 are aligned with the openings 32 and are adapted to receive the lower seams S of the cans C.

The terminal panel 17 is provided with a pair of like fold lines 40 and 41 extending transversely thereof adjacent the free end of the blank 10. The fold lines 41 and 41 set off a keel forming portion 42 which is centrally provided by a transverse fold line 43. The fold line 40 also sets 01f a terminal flange 44. It will be readily apparent from FIGURE 2 that when the carton 9 is formed from the blank 10, a generally V-shaped cross sectional keel 45 is formed from the keel forming portion 42. In order to provide seam receiving openings 46 in opposite sides of the keel 45, the fold lines 40 and 41 are interrupted by C-shaped cuts 47 disposed in backto-back relation.

In order to reinforce the keel 45, the terminal panel 18 is provided with a plurality of generally trapezoidal outline tabs 48 which project into the keel 45, as is clearly shown in FIGURE 2. Each tab 48 is hingedly connected to the terminal panel 18 along a fold line 49.

Although the cans C are interlocked with the keel 45, this interlock provides for retention of the cans at one point only on each can. In order to properly secure cans in place, it is highly desirable that they be engaged at diametrically opposite points. Therefore, it is highly desirable that the cans also be interlocked with the carton 9 at the upper corners thereof. This interlocking, however, need not be too great in view of the relationship between the cans and the keel 45. Accordingly, it is only necessary to provide relatively small openings in the carton 9 along the upper corners thereof for the reception of small portions of the seams S of the cans C.

In accordance with this invention, along each of the fold lines 16 and 19 and in alignment with the intended centers of cans to be received within the carton 9, the

lank 1% is provided with H-shaped cuts which are generally referred to by the numeral 50. Each H-shaped cut 59 includes two opposed cuts 51 which extend across the respective fold line and are centered on. The cuts 59 and 51 are generally C-shaped in outline and open towards one another. The H-shaped cut 51} also includes a cross bar defining cut 52 which extends completely between the cuts 51 and is disposed along the respective one of the fold lines 16 and 19.

Referring now to FIGURES l and 2 in particular, it will be seen that when the carton 9 is erected, the H- shapcd cuts 50 serve to define pairs of flaps 53. The flaps 53 are disposed symmetrically about a respective one of the fold lines 16 and 19 with one flap of each pair of flaps being disposed in one of the terminal panels and the other of the flaps being disposed within the adjacent one of the intermediate panels. When the fiaps 53 of each pair of flaps are sprung open, an opening 54 extending along a respective fold line results with this opening 54 receiving a small portion of the seam S of the associated can C to provide an additional interlock between the associated can and the carton 9.

At this time it is pointed out that due to the curved configuration of the cut 51 and the fact that the cuts 51 open towards one another, undesired tearing of the carton 9 along the fold lines 16 and 19 is prevented without the additional reinforcing thereof.

At this time it is pointed out that when the carton 9 is wrapped around the cans C and an interlock is formed between the terminal panels 17 and 18, the panels 12 and 13 of the carton 9 are tightly pushed together adjacent the fold lines 16 and 19 to effect a snug engagement of the cans C disposed therein. This permits the terminal panels 17 and 18, when interlocked, to tightly hold together the carton 9. Also, it causes the forcing of the seams S of the cans out through the openings 54 in accordance with the relative dimensions of the cans and the carton 9.

In order to facilitate the carrying of the package 8, the terminal panel 18 is provided with a pair of C-shaped cuts 56 which define tabs 57 connected to the terminal panel 18 along fold lines 58. When the tabs 57 are pressed inwardly, as is shown in FIGURE 1, finger receiving openings 66 are formed in the top wall of the carton 9. In order to provide for the passage of the tabs 57 through the keel 45, as is shown in FIGURE 2, elongated openings 61 are formed in the terminal panel 17 traversing the keel forming portion 42 thereof.

It will be readily apparent from the foregoing that when the carton 9 is wrapped around a plurality of cans C, there is a positive interlock of each can with the carton 9 to form a firm readily handleable package. Furthermore, since each can is firmly interlocked with the carton 9, relative movement of the cans is precluded with the restilt that seams of adjacent cans cannot ride one above the other to cause a loosening of the package 8 and the possible damage to one another. Furthermore, because of the particular interlock between the cans and the carton, it is not necessary that the side panels 12 and 13 of the carton extend the full length thereof. Accordingly, as is clearly shown in the blank of FIGURE 10, a definite saving of material may be accomplished. Although this saving of material may at first glance appear to be minute, it will be readily appreciated that when the cartons are made by the millions, this saving of material becomes a material savings.

Although only a preferred embodiment of the invention has been specifically illustrated and described herein, it is to be understood that minor variations may be made in the disclosed carton construction within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a blank for a carton of wrap-around type particularly adapted for cooperation with a plurality of cans and like containers having a peripheral projection at at least one end and wherein said blank includes adjacent panels connected along a single fold line and being adapted to engage side walls and ends of containers, means for eifecting the interlocking of containers with the carton, said means including H-shaped slits in said blank with each H-shaped slit including two spaced slits in said adjacent panels and traversing said fold line, and a cross bar defining slit extending between said two spaced slits along said fold line, said two spaced cuts being each of a C configuration and open towards one another so as to resist the tearing of the carton blank along the fold 'line as a continuation of the cross bar slit.

2. In a blank for a carton of the wrap-around type particularly adapted for cooperation with a plurality of cans and like containers having a peripheral projection at at least one end and wherein said blank includes adjacent panels connected along a fold line and being adapted to engage side walls and ends of containers, means for efiecting the interlocking of containers with the carton, said means including pairs of opposed displaceable flaps in said panels disposed in alignment on opposite sides of said fold line, the flaps of each pair when displaced defining an opening adapted to snugly engage a container projection, each H-shaped cut including two spaced cuts in said adjacent panels and traversing said fold line, and a cross bar defining cut extending between said two spaced cuts along said fold line, said two spaced cuts each being of a C configuration and opening towards one another so as to resist the tearing of the carton blank along the fold line as a continuation of the cross bar cut.

3. In a package of the type including a plurality of containers each having a radially outwardly directed peripheral projection at one end thereof, said containers being arranged in at least one row, and a carton wrapped entirely around said containers, said carton being for-med of a plurality of panels joined at substantially right angles to one another by hinge lines extending longitudinally of said package; a connection between said carton and one of said containers comprising a pair of flaps disposed in opposed relation on opposite sides of one of said hinge lines with each of said flaps being disposed in one of two adjacent panels joined along said one hinge line and being displaced to define an opening between them, and a container projection extending through said opening and being engaged by said flaps.

4. The package of claim 3 wherein said flaps are defined by an H-shaped cut bridging said one hinge line.

5. In a package of the type including a plurality of containers each having a radially outwardly directed peripheral projection at one end thereof, said containers being arranged in at least one row, and a carton wrapped around said containers, said carton being formed of a plurality of panels joined by hinge lines extending 1ongitudinally of said package; a connection between said carton and one of said containers comprising a pair of flaps disposed in opposed relation on opposite sides oi one of said hinge lines with each of said flaps being disposed in one of two adjacent panels joined along said one hinge line and being displaced to define an opening between them, and a container projection extending through said opening and being engaged by said flaps, said flaps being defined by a cross bar defining cuts extending along said one hinge line and separating said flaps, and a C-shaped cut at each end of said cross bar cut and bridging said one hinge line, said C-shaped cuts opening towards one another so as to resist the tearing of the carton along the fold line as a continuation of the cross bar cut.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,320,665 6/ 1943 Shearer.

2,381,543 8/1945 Inman.

2,675,158 4/1954 Ringler.

2,854,183 9/1958 Srofe 206- 2,922,561 1/ 1960 Currivan 206-65 3,021,657 2/1962 Purdy.

3,035,692 5/1962 Forrer 20665 3,181,727 5/1965 Graser et al. 206-65 FOREIGN PATENTS 830,534 3/1960 Great Britain.

WILLIAM T. DIXSON, 111., Primary Examiner.

FRANKLIN T. GARRETT, JOSEPH R. LECLAIR,

THERON E. CONDON, Examiners.

V. A. TOMPSON, Assistant Examiner. 

3. IN A PACKAGE OF THE TYPE INCLUDING A PLURALITY OF CONTAINERS EACH HAVING A RADIALLY OUTWARDLY DIRECTED PERIPHERAL PROJECTION AT ONE END THEREOF, SAID CONTAINERS BEING ARRANGED IN AT LEAST ONE ROW, AND A CARTON WRAPPED ENTIRELY AROUND SAID CONTAINERS, SAID CARTON BEING FORMED OF A PLURALITY OF PANELS JOINED AT SUBSTANTIALLY RIGHT ANGLES TO ONE ANOTHER BY HINGE LINES EXTENDING LONGITUDINALLY OF SAID PACKAGE; A CONNECTION BETWEEN SAID CARTON AND ONE OF SAID CONTAINERS COMPRISING A PAIR OF FLAPS DISPOSED IN OPPOSED RELATION ON OPPOSITE SIDES OF ONE OF SAID HINGE LINES WITH EACH OF SAID FLAPS BEING DISPOSED IN ONE OF TWO ADJACENT PANELS JOINED ALONG SAID ONE HINGE LINE AND BEING DISPLACED TO DEFINE AN OPENING BETWEEN THEM, AND A CONTAINER PROJECTION EXTENDING THROUGH SAID OPENING AND BEING ENGAGED BY SAID FLAPS. 